Meet Kathryn Galbavy, Running For Little Silver Board Of Education
LITTLE SILVER, NJ — This November, three people are running for two seats on the Little Silver school board.
They are Alicia Aninowsky (she is the current BOE president), Kathryn Galbavy (she is currently on the school board) and Scott Galkin. Patch asked all three of them the same set of questions, and all three got back to us.
Chose two:
Meet Scott Galkin, Running For Little Silver Board Of Education
Meet Alicia Aninowsky, Running For Little Silver Board Of Education
Chose one:
Meet Steve Pedersen, Running For Red Bank Regional Board Of Education
Meet Amanda Galante, Running For Red Bank Regional Board Of Education
Here are Galbavy's answers:
Provide a brief bio on yourself. Age, education, occupation.
As a resident of Little Silver for over 20 years, this community is incredibly special to me. I am 45 years old and currently serving my second term on the Little Silver Board of Education. It would be an honor to be re-elected on November 5th!
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Finance from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New Jersey City University. I worked as a vice president and crisis management officer for Citigroup Global Markets in Manhattan from 2001- 2008. Then I decided to focus on my family and community while my boys were young and immersed myself in volunteering for the schools and church. I currently work as a nurse at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in cardiology. I also volunteer as an Emergency Medical Responder with the Little Silver EMS. I'm grateful to serve on the Board of Education and love caring for my patients and community!
Do you have children in the district or formerly in the district?
My husband and I have two boys that have attended Little Silver Schools since kindergarten. They now attend Red Bank Regional and Markham Place Middle School.
What experience do you have that would make you a good BOE member?
I have an extensive background in business and financial management, but most importantly leadership. I have been a leader on Wall Street implementing robust business continuity plans, post 9/11. I am comfortable with balancing budgets, thinking outside of the box for creative solutions to challenges. I have been a leader in the healthcare industry by implementing evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes and reduce re-admissions. I have been a leader in our community across many aspects. I value my time as the curriculum committee chair and worked closely with the district data team to identify our successes and opportunities for improvement. I have formed strong relationships with all residents, administration, teachers and parents. I have enjoyed my time as a volunteer that includes: Teaching Sunday School, Helping to implement a File of Life with the Little Silver EMS, Class Mom, Point Road School Art Show, Little Silver 5K Committee Member, Friends of Different Learner's Day, Bag Brigade, LS Kitchen Tour, PTO Executive Board Member, PTO Co-President and Little Silver BOE member.
For current school board members, what is some of the work you're proudest of that the Board has done?
I am incredibly proud of the work I have done on the LS BOE that includes:
Where do you think the Board needs to improve? This is for both current BOE members and those not on the Board.
I would like to improve our interaction with Red Bank Regional to include collaboration that helps transition our students into freshman year. I also feel that communication to the community is always an evolving challenge. Little Silver schools are among the best, and we would like to make sure we share our successes and challenges with the entire community.
Looking ahead, what are some of the biggest challenges facing the Little Silver school district in the next 2 -5 years, and how do you plan to confront them?
I always reference our 5-year strategic plan to identify our challenges in the next 2-5 years that are raised by the community.
Working within a budget of a 2% cap: We continue to remain fiscally responsible and work closely with our business administrator to find solutions to budgetary constraints. We also work with the borough of Little Silver to participate in shared service agreements.
Rapid change in technology: We support our administration that is continuing to evolve forward-thinking technology policies that include the benefits and risks to artificial intelligence.
Social Emotional Wellness and Mental Health: This is always a top concern and we continue to promote health and wellness through a safe learning environment.
The growing teacher shortage: It is imperative that we keep our schools among the best in New Jersey, so we can attract and retain the most talented teachers. We all know that our kids spend so much time with their teacher and a great teacher can have a monumental impact on their life. I will work hard to make sure Little Silver Schools are a great place to learn, laugh and work!
Everyone who's running in 2024 in Little Silver:
Red Bank Regional High School Board of Education - Vote for one
Red Bank Regional High School Board of Education - Vote For One
Little Silver Board of Education - Vote for two
Little Silver town council: Vote for two:
The election will be Nov. 5, but you can vote early in person at the Little Silver Women's Club (111 Church Street) from Oct. 26 - Nov. 3. Hours will be Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary, according to the state of NJ Division of Elections . There is also mail-in voting.
Steven Pedersen and Amanda Galante are running against each other for one seat representing Little Silver on the Red Bank Regional High School Board of Education. Galante is currently on the board; she was appointed in August to fill a vacancy.
